(3 minute read)
Published: 30 January 2026
Written by: Beth Barker, Grants Officer
Here at John Ellerman Foundation, our overarching aim is to advance wellbeing for people, society and the natural world. However, we are living in an age of significant disruption and interconnected global threats which are directly impacting this aim. In our Strategy for 2025 to 2030, we identified some of the most pressing systemic issues resulting from this, and considered how we might support organisations to address them. In this series of blogs, we delve a bit deeper into these issues, and the steps we are taking as a Foundation to address them.
Let’s be honest….tensions have been rising for some time. Whether it’s what we see on social media, hear on the news, or even around the dinner table, the world feels increasingly divided. And while having different opinions is not only normal and necessary in a healthy democracy, something deeper feels like it’s shifting.
As a society, we’re not just disagreeing. We’re disconnecting. Conversations are shutting down. People are retreating into bubbles of like-mindedness, and the ability to listen to one another, even across disagreement, is disappearing. That’s a serious problem, especially in a time of political instability, rising inequality, and global disruption.
We know that polarisation, inequality and mistrust don’t exist in isolation, they’re part of a much bigger picture. Disagreement, by itself, isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s a vital part of democratic life. The problem is when disagreement becomes so entrenched and emotionally charged. This can then harden into polarisation.
When I think about what could be causing polarisation, I’m faced with the reality of some of the challenges we are facing as a society. Issues such as misinformation which is eroding trust, especially in an increasingly digital society that can lead to people feeling disconnected and anxious. There’s also the ongoing financial crisis, resulting in cuts to services and infrastructure which can make communities feel forgotten and left behind. Many people also feel excluded from the decisions that affect them, and that their voices are not being heard. This all adds up to make it harder for people, society and the natural world, as people stop believing that positive change can happen.
Our Role
Our Strategy for 2025 to 2030 is built around a renewed commitment to advancing wellbeing for people, society, and the natural world. With so much uncertainty and rapid change going on, it can be hard to know what to focus on. However, one of our main priorities is reducing polarisation and/or increasing political equality. These are both quite technical terms, but for us what they mean is how can we support civil society to build greater trust and connection within society. It also means supporting work that increases and enhances the levels of participation and influence in the political process. We know that some individuals and communities are more impacted by these issues too, for example we know that certain individuals or communities may be marginalised, which can make it more difficult for them to have their voices, preferences or interests represented in decision making, or the services they use.
As a grantmaker, we want to fund in this area because we’ve supported similar work in the past and feel well placed to back organisations that are taking on these interconnected challenges to make change. We’re keen to invest in organisations that are ready to question old assumptions, try out new ways of working, improve existing systems, and lift up the voices of people and communities who are often overlooked.
For us, reducing polarisation isn’t just about calming tensions. It’s about building trust, strengthening relationships, and making sure more people can genuinely take part in political life. We know that some solutions will make a difference now, while others may take decades, or even generations, to fully come to life.
As part of our 2025-2030 Strategy, we expect to support a range of approaches that tackle this from different angles. We recognise that there is no single solution, and that meaningful change often happens through multiple, interconnected efforts working over time. This could include (but isn’t limited to) the following:
- Supporting grassroots action that can scale into wider social and political change. Work that brings people together across difference that already hold trust and connection. By creating shared experiences and affirming common values, this work can help shift narratives and demonstrate more hopeful, inclusive visions for the future.
- We are also interested in work that meaningfully involves people with direct experience in shaping policy and decision-making. When those most affected by social and political challenges are at the table, new perspectives emerge, blind spots are exposed, and solutions are more likely to be equitable, legitimate and lasting.
- Alongside this, we see storytelling, narrative and communications as powerful tools for change. The stories we tell, and whose voices are heard, shape how problems are understood and what solutions feel possible. We recognise that strong narratives can help movements grow, bridge divides, and counter misinformation and mistrust.
At the same time, we are realistic about the context we are operating in. In an age of uncertainty and constraint, progress may not always look like rapid transformation. Sometimes it means holding ground, protecting what matters, or preventing further harm. Being clear about what progress looks like in this moment is essential.
This is why we are committing our energy to reducing polarisation and increasing political equality. If we can help create conditions where people listen to one another, rebuild trust, and feel they have a genuine stake in shaping decisions, we believe society will be better equipped to face the challenges ahead.
We’re ready to play our part, and we’re excited to work alongside organisations and communities to help make this possible.
For more detail about our strategy and our other funding areas, check out our blog ‘Sharing more on our funding priorities for 2025 to 2030’ by clicking here.